January 2008
Into the Light
"Desire Makes Me Weak"
Fulfillment of desire is an illusion; desire leads to more desire, not satisfaction.
-Kathleen McDonald, "How to Meditate"
Too much desire can seriously affect one’s judgment. We desire (want, crave and covet) material and physical things in our lives that are not truly necessary for the survival of the soul. Many times these desires bring pain into our lives in various forms. They can lead to unhealthy habits, addiction or even our complete downfall. Desire must be controlled.
In pursuit of desire it is wise to let go of anything, inauthentic and any and all activities that do not mirror your highest intentions for yourself. You must establish standards and principles for your conduct and limits for yourself and stand by these convictions at all costs. Desire must not rule your conscience.
We all have our own unique weaknesses within our characters. We all battle something. We desire something or someone more than is healthy for us. We fight a constant battle between the conscience and temptation (right and wrong, good and bad, healthy and unhealthy).
Some people let their desires lead them through life. This is never advisable. Too much of anything can be bad for you. Some things, just a little of can be fatal.
Meditation is our best weapon against desire. If it is not necessary for our survival, then it is not necessary at all.
All desire is not bad, but fulfillment of these desires can lead to problems. The best philosophy is to believe that all things are good in moderation, however all things can be bad if they take control of our internal drives. Behind every crime, every heartbreak and all pain in our lives, was desire.
Desire can be in the form of material things such as money, wealth and fame or it can be in human form; an ex lover or someone else's lover. It can be a drug or a sexual addiction. It can be a gambling problem or just a food we like a little too well.
Fulfillment of desire is an illusion; desire leads to more desire, not satisfaction.
-Kathleen McDonald, "How to Meditate"
-Kathleen McDonald, "How to Meditate"
Into the light is a weekly column dedicated to rational discussion of legislative pursuit, moral proposition and the general quest for equality of the LGBT Community.
Jim Lawson
One More Love Song
Have you ever witnessed the behavior of two people who are in love with each other? They are oblivious to the outside world. They have fallen under the power of the world’s strongest emotion--the power of love.
I was reflecting back on the various forms of love in my life now, and the bittersweet feelings for those that remain only in my memory. If you want to see a strong man humbled, ask him to tell you about love.
I learned of love as a child as something mythical. Classical fairytales and movies, all portrayed love as a hero who won in the end. Although, I have never given up on the hero and that happy ending. I have discovered since, that those fiction writers and movie makers left out a lot of detail.
Now I pose a different question to you. Have you ever witnessed the behavior of the person that you love, in love with someone else? There is no denying it is still a beautiful thing to see two people in love, but where do you tuck away those feelings that remain in your heart and mind? How do you wish them well and mean it as you exit the scene? How did Jennifer Aniston do it so God damn gracefully?
When describing love to someone who does not yet understand love, it is easier to start by eliminating the myths and misconceptions of love that stick in our minds like glue throughout our lifetimes.
Love is not...
a feeling in the groin. (Although, these feelings may accompany love.)
Love is not...
the feeling you had after great anonymous sex in the bookstore.
Love is not...
what you see in the eyes of the guy who winked at you, while your partner went to order drinks for the two of you.
Love is not...
attached to the guy who sends you the instant message ‘Woof!’
Love is not...
in the heart of the man who has invited you to spend time with him in a hotel room out of town, while attending a weekend leather event.
Love is not...
in the voice of the man that lies to you on a regular basis, no matter how much you like hearing that beautiful voice.
Love is not...
an open relationship. If it was ever present in this situation, it did not survive long.
So often, we waste our energy waiting for a love to ignite or rekindle in a place that is too dark for anything to grow. The seed to love is abundant in all of us, but we must provide it with the nutrients it needs to germinate. There is no limit to how far it will go, given the right environment and ingredients to flourish.
I have spent a lot of time meeting many different types of people and learning from it all, and having lots of fun along the journey, but I know what is right and wrong for me. I believe in love in a very classical way, two people who share an honest and passionate feeling and understanding for each other, two people who’s souls know each other.
Love is...
always honest.
Love is...
being comfortable with someone despite all the minor differences.
Love is...
the strength that a bond of two familiar souls form.
Love is...
being able to relax with someone totally without playing games.
Love is...
sharing the beauty of the world with all your senses and understanding what the other person is feeling without having to touch something yourself to understand what they are touching.
Love is...
changing together, instead of separately.
I have been blessed with great love in my life. The beautiful thing is that love never dies. It changes forms many times, but it never dies. Just when you think you have heard and know all there is to know about love...you turn the radio on and there it is...another love song that touches your heart like no other. I believe in love. There is always room for ‘One More Love Song’.
Into the light is a weekly column dedicated to rational discussion of legislative pursuit, moral proposition and the general quest for equality of the LGBT Community.
Jim Lawson
bravenet.com